Department of Modern Languages and Literatures

The Department of Modern Languages and Literatures offers Chinese, French, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish at various levels.

As a student becomes familiar with a particular language, she develops an understanding of the nature of language in general.

By studying literary works in the original language, a student acquires an ability to read with enjoyment and full comprehension. She also develops knowledge of the intellectual and social history of the people who speak the language.

Moreover, the knowledge and experience obtained in the critical reading of the major works of foreign literature permanently extend the range of a student's resources in the humanities and provide a means and taste for developing them further.

Programs in this Department:

• French and Francophone Studies
• Spanish

Spanish Learning Outcomes

Language

• Use the Spanish language at the B2 proficiency level according to D.E.L.E standards (Diploma de español como lengua extranjera.)
• Communicate orally in different language registers; express ideas and arguments in class presentations and class discussion.
• Listen and discuss with others relevant topics, understand and respond to questions about class materials. 
• Write well- organized papers or reports, which include a thesis and critical analysis of key passages.
• Read complex texts being able to identify main topics and analyze key parts of them.

Literature

• Study main authors and works in the Hispanic literature tradition.
• Be able to know and recognize rhetorical figures, styles and genres.
• Be able to do research about specific issues within each literary context using appropriate bibliography and correct format according to discipline standards.

Culture

• Recognize and discuss cultural concepts and traditions in Spain and Latin America.
• Compare different cultural and historical events with their own culture.

French and Francophone Studies Learning Outcomes

Language

• Use the French language at the B2 proficiency level according to D.E.L.F standards (Diplôme d’études en langue française.)
• Communicate orally in different language registers; express ideas and arguments in class presentations and class discussion.
• Listen and discuss with others relevant topics, understand and respond to questions about class materials. 
• Write well- organized papers or reports, which include a thesis and critical analysis of key passages.
• Read complex texts being able to identify main topics and analyze key parts of them.

Literature

• Study main authors and works in the Francophone literature tradition.
• Be able to know and recognize rhetorical figures, styles and genres.
• Be able to do research about specific issues within each literary context using appropriate bibliography and correct format according to discipline standards.

Culture

• Recognize and discuss cultural concepts and traditions in the Francophone world.
• Compare different cultural and historical events with their own culture.

Asian Studies Learning Outcomes

With successful completion of the major, students will:

• Acquire and demonstrate a broad understanding of Asia in areas such as art, culture, economy, film, history, literature, philosophy, and politics.
• Demonstrate, through an interdisciplinary approach, an understanding of shared and complementary concepts pertaining to the above.
• After successful completion of either Chinese or Japanese 245, demonstrate language proficiency of at least ACTFL Intermediate-Mid/High for speaking, Intermediate-Low for listening, Novice-High for reading and Intermediate-Low/Mid for writing.
• To demonstrate comfort and skill when studying and working in cross-cultural environments.